Abstract: A hangtag has a sample fabric portion of the same fabric material used to cover a lampshade which is protected by a covering. The fabric portion is accessible to enable a consumer to touch and feel the sample fabric portion and determine whether to proceed with purchasing the lampshade despite the inability to directly touch the fabric material on the lampshade due to the presence of the covering.

Abstract: A picture frame has a rear panel attached along its bottom edge to a front panel. The rear and front panels are therefore enabled for moving toward and away from each other in hinging motion about the bottom edge. The front panel provides an aperture for viewing a photo held against the rear panel. A hanger cord has opposing terminal cord ends fastened to the rear panel, and slidingly threaded through holes in the front panel. The central portion of the cord forms a loop for hanging the picture frame. The rear panel provides a means for gripping the photo such as tabs cut from the rear panel fabric, preferably a cardboard. A scenting agent is integral with at least one of the panels.

Abstract: A picture frame includes a picture holder for mounting a picture or photograph on the holder and two folding members hingedly formed on opposite sides of the holder; whereby upon backward folding of the two folding members, the picture frame will be supported and erected for displaying the picture; and upon a forward folding of the two folding members to cover the picture frame, it may serve as a “postal card” ready for postal mailing.

Abstract: A mechanism embodying a shock absorber, gas spring, mechanical spring or other dampening device connected between slidably connected structural components of a firearm constitutes the basis of the firearm recoil reduction mechanism claimed in this application. The slidably connected structural components may be the firearm barrel, chamber, frame, action or stock. Discharge recoil force reduction is accomplished by connecting slidably connected structural components via a dampening device such as a gas spring/shock. As the relative motion between the slidably connected components progresses, the shock absorber/dampening device is activated resulting in energy adsorption, dispersion of the recoil over a longer time period, and attenuation of the total recoil force. The net recoil force is reduced as a result of the device.

Abstract: A magazine-protecting, ambidextrous device for carrying a loaded spare magazine attached to a firearm buttstock in position for rapid removal and insertion into the firing position of the firearm. The loaded spare magazine is restrained within a well formed in the buttstock by a retractable latch pivotably mounted such that when the spare magazine is removed, the latch retracts below the exterior surface of the firearm buttstock, protecting the latch from damage and reducing the profile of the weapon. The spare magazine is carried in such a way as to protect the open end of the magazine and the ammunition carried therein from dirt and/or damage.

Abstract: An animal lure having a flexible pouch which is at least partially filled with a flexible material having shape memory. Due to the shape memory of the flexible material within the pouch, upon deformation of the pouch and the corresponding deformation of the flexible material, the flexible material emits an audible noise simulating the sound of an animal walking on fallen leaves.

Abstract: An invention is disclosed whereby an assurance agreement with a building owner is made for annual or other periodic insect inspections. Monitors are placed within the treatment zone and annual or other required inspections are thereafter made to determine insect activity and to evaluate termiticide effectiveness. Appropriate corrective action as necessary is taken to protect the building from damage caused by insects such as termites.

Abstract: A method for thermal pest control in fruit production and agriculture involves projecting at least one stream of hot air to a crop from a movable vehicle which moves in a direction substantially parallel to rows of the crop.

Abstract: A friction modifier for combustible fuels is provided that is prepared by combining a saturated carboxylic acid and an alkylated amine. Furthermore, there also is an additive concentrate for use in fuels, especially in gasoline for internal combustion engines, comprising (a) a friction modifier comprising of a branched saturated carboxylic acid salt of an alkylated amine, such as n-butylamine isostearate; (b) a detergent package, as well as the combustible fuels containing this additive concentrate. The particular selection of friction modifier (a) enables a stable additive concentrate to be formulated providing a significant benefit in friction loss when incorporated in gasoline used to fuel an internal combustion engine, and hence an improvement in fuel economy.

Abstract: A plant packaging method providing a tubular sleeve having excess material therein and attaching the sleeve to a potted plant via a bonding material.

Abstract: An autothermal reformer according to the principles of the present invention comprises a first stage that selectively receives a fuel flow, a first oxidant flow, and a steam flow. The first stage has a first portion of a catalyst bed. The fluids within the first stage are routed through the first portion of the catalyst bed and react. There is a second stage downstream from and communicating with the first stage. The second stage receives the fluids from the first stage and also selectively receives a second oxidant flow. The second oxidant flow and the fluids received from the first stage flow through a second portion of a catalyst bed and further react.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved fuel door assembly and methods for assembling same. In one preferred embodiment the fuel door assembly comprises a housing that defines an axis of rotation and has a moveable retaining surface that is biased toward the axis of rotation, and a fuel door received in the housing and rotatable about the axis of rotation between a closed position and an open position. The fuel door has a first cam surface and a second cam surface. The retaining surface contacts the first cam surface and urges the fuel door toward the closed position when the fuel door is at the closed position, and contacts the second cam surface and urges the fuel door toward the open position when the fuel door is at the open position.

Abstract: Coated abrasive articles comprise a backing and an abrasive layer, and optionally at least one of a backsize layer, tie layer, supersize layer, presize layer, or saturant.

Abstract: A bimodal slurry system for a chemical mechanical polishing process including a dispersion comprising a plurality of first particles and a plurality of at least one type of second particles said first particles having a mean particle diameter larger by at least a factor of 3 than a mean particle diameter of the at least one type of second particles said first particles further being compressible.

Abstract: Stackable modular arena seating risers include permanently attached high quality fold down seats that are the equal of normal arena seats. Stacking of the riser modules is facilitated by the use of quick lock stacking tubes fit into locator cups permanently attached into each corner of the deck of each module. Fork lifting channels of the proper size and spacing are provided on three sides of each module to facilitate movement of the entire stack and the stacking, unstacking, and movement of individual modules.

Abstract: A furniture system is particularly adapted to support group activities in open plans, and the like. A plurality of columns support an overhead framework on the floor of a building in a freestanding fashion at a predetermined elevation, generally above average user height. A plurality of individual panels are provided, wherein each panel is constructed to permit easy, manual, bodily translation of the same by an adult user. A hanger arrangement is associated with the overhead framework, and cooperates with connectors on the panels to detachably suspend the panels at various locations along the overhead framework. The panels are manually reconfigurable between many different arrangements to efficiently and effectively support different group activities. Preferably, the panels are capable of providing a partitioning function to visually divide at least a portion of the workspace, and/or a display function to facilitate group communications.

Abstract: A building roof tie for attaching roof trusses and rafters to wood top plates in building structures, such roof tie having a sheet metal body with risers and a bridge for overlapping a rafter and flaps for wrapping on the sides of the top plate. Generally triangular shaped reinforcing wings provide strength and stability, allowing the roof tie to be manufactured from different weights of steel. The roof ties are pitched to conform to a variety of framing applications. A plurality of apertures is formed in the roof tie to provide openings for fasteners for connecting the tie to the wood top plate and rafter.

Abstract: A system for reinforcing tall buildings. The building comprises an internal frame comprising a plurality of horizontal floor beams and a plurality of vertical columns extending between adjacent floor beams. The reinforcing system comprises diagonal bracing members connected between vertically spaced floor beams at an angle to both the floor beams and the columns.

Abstract: A form for use with hardenable, flowable material such as concrete, wherein the form is flexible along a first axis and rigid along a second axis. The form may further include perforations in one side of the form such that when the form is left in place the form acts as a drain.

Abstract: A water-impervious, non-biodegradable, unitary drainage device for conveying subsoil seepage to suitable disposal areas. The invention features a “sandwich” construction consisting of a planar top and base sheets, set apart by a matrix of supports, disposed between and integrally joined to the sheets. The matrix is a row-column array of frusto-geometrically shaped elements; in an alternate embodiment, this sheet-separating array is a series of parallel row, or columnar, partitions. Partitions, in emulation of discrete posts, contain structural separations, at selected locations, in order to relinquish the inherent rigidity of the unitary construction. The parallel top and bottom sheets are fixed permanently to, or formed integrally with, posts or partitions, rendering the nominal construction quite rigid.

Abstract: A roof-mounted skylight having a plurality of distribution tubes. Natural light is directed through a dome on the skylight into a light collector box attached to the dome. The plurality of distribution tubes are coupled to the collector box and distribute natural light passed through the dome to rooms within the building.

Abstract: A building element having a core of compressed fibrous material and a sheathing of plastic molded over the core.

Abstract: A building panel for attachment to exterior and interior building surfaces, the panel including a casting layer having at least one imbedded reinforcing layer, at least one attachment means extending through the casting layer and imbedded reinforcing layer for attachment to a building frame, and a finishing layer adjacent to the casting layer, the finishing layer being positioned to cover a first end of the at least one attachment means.

Abstract: In order to provide designs of corner and junction assemblies for service provision ducting which are simple to construct and do not require a large number of components, there is provided an internal angle cover part 22, 28, 31, an external angle cover part 21 and a straight wall cover part 36. These can be combined together to form a flat bend (FIG. 4), a cross-over (FIG. 5) or a flat T (FIG. 6). Each cover part comprises a cover surface 22, 23, 28, 35 which extends up to, but no further than the centre line of the respective section of service provision ducting.

Abstract: A surfacing system including both methods and apparatus may in some embodiments comprise a single width relationally sized surfacing system and associated design patterns that involve discrete stone surface units in several embodiments. In at least one embodiment, surfacing units are stone. A multi-width surfacing unit system is also included as part of the invention, as are associated design patterns. Other embodiments include surface unit packaging apparatus and methods that reduce surface unit transport costs and breakage.

Abstract: A high performance door comprising a door shell having a generally planar construction with marginal edges and at least one door skin helping to define an interior door cavity and a door member disposed within the interior door cavity is disclosed. The door member is preferably constructed of a gas-entrained cementitious material and has a compressive strength of at least about 30 lbf/in2 when measured using ASTM C-39. A method for forming a door member for use in construction with the door generally comprising: providing a door shell, placing the door shell in a fixture, filling the interior door cavity with a gas-entrained cementitious material, green-strength curing the gas-entrained cementitious material, and removing the door shell from the fixture is disclosed. The cured gas-entrained cementitious material provides a gas-entrained cementitious core for use in conjunction with a door.

Abstract: A window shutter has corrosion resistant stiles with a non-metallic core and louvers, and non-metallic top and bottom rails. The shutter is resistant to the adverse effects of sunlight, humidity, rain and wind, and will retard flying objects, and will pass commonly used missile tests for building materials. The resulting shutter will also withstand substantial stresses from wind loads, so as to perform satisfactorily in wind load tests. The window covering of the invention is substantially maintenance free.

Abstract: A wall is constructed from precast concrete blocks stacked in tiers in which adjacent blocks are secured together to increase the strength of the wall. Anchors are embedded in the tops of at least some of the blocks. The ends of the blocks have vertical grooves which form a vertical opening when the ends of two blocks abut. The blocks in the tiers are offset so that the openings between blocks in one tier are positioned above the anchors on the blocks on the adjacent lower tier. The blocks in each tier are secured together by a tensioned cable extending through aligned passages in the blocks. Locking members are placed in the openings to secure the ends of the abutting blocks to an anchor in an adjacent lower block.

Abstract: Flexible molding for use in eliminating a gap between a windshield and an opening, or a pane and an opening, is accomplished by a unique hinge groove between an exterior surface member of the molding and a seat member. By pinching the two members together, the channel that receives and attaches to the windshield is widened, making it much easier to attach the molding to a windshield. Also, inside the channel are one or more barbs that ensure good retention of the molding to the windshield or pane. The barbs also provide better gripping for any adhesive used in the channel when securing the molding to a windshield. Also provided are primer ridges for improved adhesion of the molding to the car body or other structure.

Abstract: The double glazed panel assembly comprises a glass holder frame which includes an inner annular glass supporting surface and an outer annular glass supporting surface which extends along an outer periphery of the inner annular glass supporting surface in a laterally spaced relationship and is raised relative to the inner annular glass supporting surface, and the outer and inner glass sheets are supported by the outer and inner annular glass supporting surfaces, respectively. Therefore, the outer peripheral part of the outer glass sheet provides an inwardly facing surface (facing the corresponding glass supporting surface of the glass holder frame) that is available as a surface for bonding onto the glass holder frame so that the outer glass sheet as well as the inner glass sheet can be firmly attached to the glass holder frame, and a required integrity of the assembly can be ensured even though the panel assembly presents a flush outer surface.

Abstract: A connector for a main tee of a suspended ceiling grid that has improved self-aligning and connection force properties. The connector has an end tab with a forward portion bent at a lead angle and a receiving pocket with an outwardly flared entrance that, with an opposed identical connector, cooperate to provide smooth horizontal alignment. The end portion, additionally, includes an edge profile that vertically aligns itself with the receiving pocket of the opposed connector. The receiving pocket includes a spring-like resilient wall that limits the assembly force to overcome interference with projecting lock lances even when the connectors are nearly out of dimensional tolerance. The spring-like pocket wall, shape of the lock lance, and reinforcing beads contribute to an improved audible click signaling that a connection has been completed. The lock lance works with a relief groove to augment self-alignment of the connectors.

Abstract: A structural member includes side walls, a top wall connecting a top region of the side walls, a bottom wall connecting side wall bottoms and extending beyond the side walls to form wings each having one portion of a connector for connecting members to one another, a span connected to the side walls, and truss configurations each connected to the span and the bottom wall and respectively to one side wall. Side walls, top wall, and span define an upper interior chamber and span, truss configurations, and bottom wall define a lower interior chamber. Each truss configuration has a vertical wall and two intermediate walls. An assembly of members interlock with one another in series by connecting a first portion of the connector with a second portion of another member. These interlocked members form a structure for receiving concrete as a base for a ribbed concrete slab.

Abstract: A building material (40) is provided comprising fiber-cement (10) laminated to gypsum (20) to form a single piece laminate composite. This single piece laminate composite exhibits improved fire resistance and surface abuse and impact resistance, but achieves these properties without the excessive weight and thickness of two piece systems. Additionally, because of the reduced thickness, the preferred laminate building material is easier to cut and is quicker and easier to install than two piece systems. Furthermore, forming the fiber-cement and gypsum into a single piece laminate eliminates the need to install two separate pieces of building material, thereby simplifying installation. In one embodiment, a ⅝″ thick laminate composite is provided comprising a ½″ thick gypsum panel laminated to a ⅛″ thick fiber-cement sheet, the laminate composite having a fire resistance rating of 1 hour when measured in accordance with ASTM E119.

Abstract: A heat sealing device includes a frame rotatably supporting gears and comprising four fixed upright guide rods. Upper and lower members, in the form of U-shape, are movable along the guide rods between engaging position and separated position. The upper and lower members each have four racks respectively engaging the gears whereby the upper and lower members are movable synchronously. A power cylinder has a rod mounted to the upper member for driving the upper and lower members toward/away from each other. Heating elements are mounted to the upper and lower members and are substantially opposite to each other. The upper and lower members are maintained substantially parallel to each other during the movement thereof whereby a uniform sealing pressure is applied to the heating elements of the upper and lower members to achieve high quality sealing results.

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having an extension attached to a portion of the sheet of material. Preferably the extension has a lace pattern thereon. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot to form a decorative cover, upper edges of the sheet of material and extension cooperate to form a skirt portion preferably having at least two separate edges providing a “two-sheet” effect in the decorative cover. The wrapper may have extensions on opposing ends of the sheet of material and may having one or more additional overlapping extensions.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a floral grouping, preferably an orchid, with a wrapper which may be a sheet of material, a sleeve or a preformed pot cover. The wrapper is preferably constructed from a laminated material made up of at least a waxy layer and a support layer which are superposed upon each other and connected or laminated to each other. A second waxy layer may be connected or laminated to the other surface of the support surface. The waxy layer is made from a waxy material such as waxed paper, waxed tissue or high density polyethylene. The wrapped floral grouping may also contain a shredded material for cushioning the blooms of the floral grouping.

Abstract: Packaging materials, in particular, film and products that are marked with an energy sensitive indicia-former. The film has at least one heat sensitive indicia-former on at least part of the film. The film comprises a thin film substrate which is substantially transparent to radiant energy. Associated with at least part of the film substrate is an absorbent material which is sufficiently opaque to radiant energy to absorb said radiant energy and convert the radiant energy into heat energy. The indicia-former undergoes conversion from a first visual condition to a second visual condition upon exposure to heat energy from the absorbent material. The film is used preferably as a shrink wrap of the open top of drink containers and to identify the contents of the container.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a series of individualized custom doses for a consumer. The individualized doses being delivered in a package or packages, such that each individualized custom dose, comprising a plurality of medications and/or supplements, is individually separable from the remaining doses within the series. By way of example, and not of limitation, a system is described having a web based front-end interface within which the user may establish a dosing schedule, select supplements and/or medications (MS) from an MS database, elect which MS are to be included in each dose, and communicate the order to be processed by a packetizing system. The packetizing system utilizes a conveyance device which interconnects a series of pill dispensing bins. The conveyance device has compartments for collecting a series of doses which are then packetized and shipped for use by the consumer.

Abstract: A packaged liquid-filled plastic tube is provided to achieve a desirably long shelf life. The tube is formed from PET, polypropylene or otherknown plastics that exhibit high liquid permeability. A liquid additive of a specified volume, concentration and/or solubility is placed in the tube and the tube is sealed. Loss of liquid through the permeable tube is prevented by a moisture barrier film that is sealed around the tube. The moisture barrier film maintains a high relative humidity adjacent said tube and substantially minimizes transport of liquid vapor through the plastic of the tube.

Abstract: A debris collecting device for gathering and moving quantities of debris comprising of a pliable, flexible material of sufficient size, and a plurality of elongated support members of substantially equal length. The debris collecting device is operated by a person. The debris collecting device is put over the pile of debris and the elongated support members are brought underneath the debris and then the debris collection device can be maneuvered into position for carrying and or disposal.

Abstract: A bag filling and sealing machine includes a bag holder, a bag opening and filling station, and a sealing station. The bag holder holds wicketed bags in a manner that allows the bags to be easily torn from the holder. A funnel assembly successively opens each bag, tears the bag from the bag holder, fills the bag with material, and releases the bag to a grabber assembly. The grabber assembly engages the sides of the bag while the bag is attached to a funnel assembly and later pulls the sides of the bag away from each other so that the top of the bag is closed and ready to seal when the bag is delivered to a sealing apparatus. The grabber assembly moves in a manner so as to minimize the lost height when moving from the filling station to the sealing station.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for banding palletized products comprises: a conveyor (2), extending in a direction of feed (A), for transporting pallets (3), each bearing a stack (4) of products; a gantry structure (5) mounted over the conveyor (2) and equipped with two pairs (6, 7) of film reels, each pair being mounted at a different height from the other on the gantry uprights (5a, 5b) in such a way as to form two bands (8, 9) of film positioned transversely relative to the uprights (5a, 5b) so as to intercept the front of the product stack (4) as it moves forward; a pair of units (10, 11) for sealing and cutting the film bands (8, 9) supported by the gantry structure (5) on the rear side of the latter relative to the direction of feed (A), and mobile between an idle position, where the units (10, 11) are close to the uprights (5a, 5b), and a working position, where the units (10, 11) are away from the uprights (5a, 5b) so that each intercepts, seals and cuts a respective portion of the film bands (8, 9) wrapped around

Abstract: A wrapping device comprising at least a circular track structure which forms a closed track, and a film feeding device which is arranged to circulate along said track and to feed a film around a piece to be wrapped, wherein the film feeding device is provided with at least means for fixing a film roll in the film feeding device in a rotating manner, feeding means, through which the film is arranged to be fed at a predetermined film tension, and a drive mechanism which is arranged, if necessary, to rotate the film roll in a direction in which the film is rewound onto the film roll and which is arranged to receive its driving force by means of a mechanical contact between the drive mechanism and the circular track structure. The film feeding device also comprises a mechanism which is arranged to disconnect and reconnect said contact, wherein said mechanism is controlled either on the basis of the film tension or on the basis of the location of the film feeding device on said track, or on the basis of them both.

Abstract: A wrapping device comprising at least a circular track structure which forms a closed track, and a film feeding device which is arranged to circulate along said track and to feed a film around a piece to be wrapped, wherein the film feeding device comprises a frame structure which is provided with at least means for fixing a film roll in said frame structure in a rotatable manner, and feeding means, through which the film is arranged to be fed at a desired film tension. Said frame structure can be disconnected from and reconnected to the film feeding device for the change of the film roll, and for the change of the film roll, the wrapping device also comprises an automatic change system for the change of said frame structure. Said frame structure is an integrated unit which can be independently disconnected from and reconnected to the film feeding device.

Abstract: Dust collector with an assembly of cylindrical and hexahedral bag filters for smooth recovering dust by making a direction of a discharge air flow the same with the direction of free fall of the dust naturally, wherein dirty air is drawn through an upper part of one side of a hexahedral housing having a hopper at a lower part, is guided downward directly, involved in filtering the dust therein by a plurality of cylindrical bag filters, to become a clean air, collected in the cylindrical bag filters and the hexahedral bag filters, and discharged to a lower part of the housing, while the dust is recovered by a rotary valve.

Abstract: An improved two-stage separator uses reusable containers for collecting particles separated by each separation stage. The reusable containers are constructed such that a user empties both reusable containers by the actions required to empty just one of the reusable containers.

Abstract: A fluid meter particle isolating system having a tortuous path formed between a pair of walls with an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is open to a contaminant-free (clean) zone while an outlet is open to a particle generating contaminated (dirty) zone. The walls include partitions that form a tortuous path separating it into a plurality of chambers. An impeller constructed of a plurality of open cells forms a piston-like structure is provided in the tortuous path and has an axis of motion parallel to the walls. Each vessel is offset axially and has four walls and a bottom surface contoured to provide a transition from one cell to the next through an exit port providing a continuous flow from the vessel in the first cell sequentially to adjacent cells to an exit port in the last vessel in the last cell.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a decelerated centrifugal dust removing apparatus for a dust cleaner. It comprises a cylinder, a conical cylinder and a dust collector box connected in the given order from the upper part to the lower part, as well as an air outlet pipe and an air inlet pipe on the cylinder body. The conical cylinder has a small upper end and a large lower end. In the conical cylinder, on the lower part of the air outlet pipe (under the air outlet pipe) there is an umbrella-shaped reflector in the center of which is provided a hole for air returning. Between the periphery of the umbrella reflector and the side wall is provided an annular gap for the falling down of dust. The apparatus features small loss of air flow pressure, good effectiveness of air suction, high quality of dust filtering, and low noise.

Abstract: A particle filter of metal foil has walls defining fluid flow channels with inlets and outlets. A first channel has an open entry cross section at a first end side extended partway into the first channel. A second channel has an open exit cross section substantially corresponding to the entry cross section. One of the walls of the first channel has filter passage perforations leading to the second channel. A closure in the first channel, opposite the entry cross section, toward a second end side, closes off the first channel to the fluid. A process for producing a particle filter from metal foil includes pulling the metal foil from an endless storage device. A joining element or strip is applied to the metal foil. The metal foil is shaped into subsequent channels. The metal foil is wound or stacked to form first and second channels in opposite directions. The first channel has an open entry cross section at the first end side extending partway into the first channel.

Abstract: A filter device for use in medical procedures such as laparoscopy is disclosed. Preferably, the device comprises a filter arrangement and a filter housing having first and second side walls, wherein at least a portion of each of the first and second side walls is flexible and porous.